Aphrodite (Greek) - The beautiful Goddess of love and fertility.

No man could resist Aphrodite when she wore her magic girdle. Her name means foam born or risen from foam as she was birthed from the churning sea.

Arianrhod (Celtic) - Goddess of fertility, rebirth and the weaving of cosmic time and fate. The last aspect of her nature is contained within her name which means silver wheel or round wheel, suggesting her importance in the cycles of life. Other common spellings of her name are Aranhod and Arianrod.

Artemis (Greek) - An independent spirit, she is Goddess is of the hunt, nature and birth. There are several different theories about the origin of her name, one school of thought says it comes from an ancient word for safe and another argues that it means strong limbed. Either way the suggestion is that this maiden Goddess has the strength and ability to protect herself from any unwanted attention.

Athena (Greek) - Goddess of war and wisdom and domestic crafts. Plato believed her name meant "mind of God" whilst others suggest it comes an ancient word meaning sharp. Both these words point to Athena's great intellectual ability to see the true nature of a situation and to develop successful strategies.

Bast (Egyptian) - The famous cat Goddess, she protected pregnant woman and children. Bast was a very sensual Goddess who enjoyed music, dance and perfume. Her name comes from the bas jars used to store perfumes and ointments. Other versions of this Goddess name's include: Bastet, Baset, Ubasti and Pasht.

Ceres (Roman) - This Goddess of agriculture and grains name comes from the Indo European word root, ker meaning to grow. In turn her name has become the origin of our modern word cereal.

Ceridwen (Celtic) - Goddess of moon, magic, agriculture, nature, poetry language, music, art, science and astrology. She was also keeper of the cauldron. Her name means chiding love. Cerridwen, Caridwen, Kerritwen, Keridwen, Kyrridwen are other variations of her name.

Demeter (Greek) - Goddess of the harvest who possessed great knowledge of the best way to grow, preserve and harvest grain. She was also the devoted mother of Persephone. Her name reflects her nurturing personality as it means earth mother in Greek.

Diana (Roman) - Goddess of the hunt and wild animals. She later took over from Luna as the Roman Goddess of the moon, responsible for fertility and childbirth. Her name means "heavenly divine," reflecting her celestial role.

Eirene (Greek) - This Greek Goddess name means peace in her native language, expressing her diplomatic nature. Her name also often appears as Irene.

Eos (Greek) - A sunny natured Goddess whose name means dawn.

Epona (Celtic) - Protector of horses, donkeys, and mules. She was also an ancient fertility Goddess. Epona's Goddess name comes from the Gaulish word epos meaning "great mare."

Ereshkigal (Sumerian) - Goddess of Attalu, the land of the dead and ancestral memories. Her name translates as "great lady under the earth." Irkalla is an alternative name by which this Goddess is identified.

Freya (Nordic) - Goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, wealth, divination and magic. Her name comes from the ancient Norse word for lady or mistress. There are several variations of the spellings of this Goddess name including: Freyja, Freyr and Freyja.

Frigg (Nordic) - Goddess of marriage, childbirth, motherhood, wisdom, household management and weaving and spinning. Her name means "beloved" in ancient Norse and is derived from fri "to love." She is also known as Frige, Friia, Frija and Frea.

Hathor (Egyptian) - This heavenly cow's areas of influence included music, dancing, joy and fertility. Her name translates as "house of Horus". Alternative names for this Goddess are Het-Hert, Hetheru, Mehturt, Mehurt, Mehet-Weret, and Mehet-uret,

Hebe (Greek) Hebes name literally means youth or in the prime of life. She was one of the daughters of Zeus and Hera. Her role was to serve the nectar and ambrosia to the Gods and Goddesses that prevented them from aging.

Hekate (Greek) - Goddess of the wild places, childbirth and the crossroads. She is closely associated with magic and witchcraft. Her name is said to be derived from the Greek word hekas meaning "far off" describing her unworldly, shamanic nature. Also known as Hecate

Hella (Nordic) - The fearsome Goddess of the Nordic realm of the dead. Her name is derived from the word kel, meaning "to conceal." There are numerous spellings of her name including Halje Hell, Hel, Helle,Hela and Holle.

Hera (Greek) - Queen of the Olympians and Goddess of marriage and birth. The meaning of her Goddess name has been lost. One historian claims her name could be connected to the Greek word for seasons hora, suggesting she is ripe for marriage.

Hestia (Greek) - The domestic Goddess of the Greek Pantheon, she rules over the hearth and home. Her name comes from the Greek word estia meaning "she that dwells or tarries." This reflects the importance of the role that the ancient Greeks attributed to this Goddess in sacrificing her position as an Olympian to guard the fire and maintain a happy home.

Inanna (Sumerian) - Goddess of love, war, and fertility. Inanna was the personification of the morning and evening star. Her beautiful name means "lady of the sky." This Goddess is closely linked to Ishtar and Nin-anna.

Indunn (Nordic) - Goddess of youth and springtime. Her name means she who renews and has several alternative spellings including Indun, Iduna and Idhunna.

Iris (Greek) - Goddess of the rainbow and messenger to the Gods. Her name means rainbow in her native language.

Isis (Egyptian) - This famous Goddess has so many different aspects, her most important roles are as Goddess of life and magic. Isiss name comes from the Egyptian word aset and means "she of throne" in other words the Queen of the Goddesses.

Juno (Roman) - Goddess of marriage, pregnancy and childbirth. She protected the finances of the citizens of Rome. Her name is mystery, it speaks of a contradictory role for this Goddess, before her alignment to the matronly, Greek Goddess, Hera. This is because her name is derived from the root yeu meaning "vital force" indicating a more youthful, maiden Goddess

Maat (Egyptian)- Goddess of truth, justice and balance. She prevented the creation from reverting to chaos and judged the deeds of the dead with her feather. This Goddess name stems from the word Mayet meaning straight. This reflects her unbending nature in upholding what is right and just.

Minerva (Roman) - Goddess of wisdom, medicine and crafts. Her name is linked to the Latin word mens which means "intellect," suggesting the intelligence and inventiveness of this ancient Goddess.

Morrigan (Celtic) - The terrifying crow Goddess associated with war and death on the battlefield. She was queen of phantoms, demons, shape-shifters and patroness of priestesses and Witches. Her name means "great queen" in the old Irish language. Morrigan was also known as Morgane, Morrgu, Morrghan, Mor-Roghain and Morrgna.

Nephthys (Egyptian) - Goddess of death, decay and the unseen. Her name speaks of her priestess role as it means "lady of the temple enclosure." Other variations of her title include Nebet-het and Nebt-het.

Nike (Greek) - This Greek Goddess name means victory, she represented success especially in the sporting arena which is why her name was chosen for a famous brand of sportswear.

Persephone (Greek) - Daughter of Demeter and Queen of the Underworld. She was also none as Kore reflecting the Maiden aspect of this Goddess. Other variations of her name include Persephoneia, Persephassa, Persephatta and Pherepapha

Pomona (Roman) Pomona protected fruiting trees and gardens. Her name is derived from the Latin word pomus, meaning fruit tree.

Rhea (Greek) - The ancient Titan Earth Goddess, responsible for the fertility of the soil and women. The name is most likely a form of the word era meaning "earth", although it has also been linked to 'rheos' the Greek term for stream.

Selene (Greek) Selene was the Titan personification of the moon, unsurprising then that her name means moon in Greek.

Seshat (Egyptian) - The great scribe and librarian Goddess who was responsible for accounting, architecture, astronomy, historical records and mathematics. Her Goddess name means "she who scibes." It is also appears as Safkhet, Sashet, Seshata, Sesat, Sesheta and Sheshat.

Themis (Greek) - Goddess of divine justice, order and customs. She also had the gift of prophecy. Her name simply means "law of nature" or "divine nature."

Venus (Roman) - Goddess and love and beauty. Her Goddess name has become synonymous with her role as the woman who all men desire.

Vesta (Roman) - Guardian of the sacred Flame. Vestas name and function is derived from the Greek Goddess Hestia. Definition of Archetypes

Carl Jung defined Archetypes as the first original model upon which all other similar persons, objects or concepts are derived, copied, patterned or emulated. The word is derived from two Greek words. Arche which means the first principle and tupo's which translates as impression.

These stereotypes are found throughout our literature and mythology. Shakespeare used them in his plays, his character Falstaff exhibits all the main features of the Comic/Fool stereotype and Romeo and Juliet are excellent examples of the Lover.

In this website my aim is to explore the most popular Goddesses from around the world. By looking at the myths, symbolism and rituals that surround them I am seeking to discover their individual stereotypes.

This section contains a listing of the main Archetypes, listed alphabetically from A-M and an exploration of their shadow aspects. There is also an indication of what each of the Archetypes may represent in your life today.

Lastly you will find links to the individual Goddesses that best embody this stereotype. For Goddess Archetypes N-Z Follow this link. Here you will find information on the following archetypes: The Nun, Prostitute, Queen, Rescuer, scribe, Servant, Shapeshifter, Teacher, Virgin, Visionary ,Warrior and the Witch.

The Child of Nature

This Goddess Archetype feels most at home in the outside bonding and communicating with the forces of nature. The Child of Nature is often emotionally very sensitive and prefers solace and the company of animals to being with people.

They are often independent and physically fit.

The shadow aspect abuses animals and destroys the environment around them.

To have this particular stereotype you need more than a love of nature. Your health and well-being is affected if you are unable to spend time outside working with animals, plants and other nature spirits. Your idea of hell is likely to be working in a busy office in the center of town.

People who possess the shadow aspect are cruel to animals and have no interest in preserving the natural world.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Artemis Diana

The Companion

This type of Goddess is loyal, tenacious and unselfish in their service to a more authoritive figure. In this relationship she provides him with emotional and practical support to enable her partner to concentrate on his mission. This was long considered the traditional role of the wife.

Shadow Companion manifests as betrayal, breaking confidences and loss of identity loss through constantly suppressing your own needs.

This stereotype asks do you have a long history of playing the loyal companion to other people? Are you happy with this role or do you feel that the partnership is unequal and resent the fact that your needs are not being met?

The shadow aspect of the Companion suggests you look at ways of achieving a better balance. Begin to rediscover who you are and what you want in life. Allow time to follow your own interests.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Hera Juno

The Crone

In the Pagan tradition the Goddess is often split into three to depict the different stages of a woman's life: mother, maiden and Crone.

The Crone represents the wise old woman whose child bearing days are behind her. Other associations with this stereotype include: compassion, transformation, healing and bawdiness death and endings. She is the respected older woman or grand parent at the heart of family who enjoys life and sharing her experience.

Unfortunately the word Crone or Hag often has negative connotations as many wise woman and midwives were persecuted as witches in the middle ages.

Shadow Crone is the bitter, old woman who has failed to learn from her life. She blames all her failings and unhappiness on a society that no longer respects the elders. As a result she becomes increasingly isolated and fearful.

The Crone may resonate with you if you have gained wisdom, learning from your mistakes and showing a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

You are experiencing the Crone's shadow if you have become rigid in your beliefs and have become stuck in a rut having lost all ability to let those areas of your life go that no longer serve you.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Ceridwen Hekate Hella Ereshkigal

The Diplomat

The Diplomat is able to mediate between different groups as they able to quickly assess the situation, understanding both sides point of view and is able to help them find a middle ground upon which they can both agree.

Shadow Diplomat manipulates both sides to achieve their own personal agenda.

To have the Diplomat as one of you main stereotypes you do not have to be a diplomat by profession. However you must have a life-long commitment to resolving disputes and bringing people together. This can often occur within families where one member of the family is constantly trying to keep the peace and the family together.

Don't forget to ask yourself who will most benefit from the peace you are trying to achieve to check you are not stepping into this Archetype's shadow.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Eirene

The Femme Fatale

This stereotype represents the seductress and enchantress who manipulates men for sex, status or money. The complete lack of emotional envolvement with their victims can result in the symbolic killing or getting rid of her lover when he has served his purpose.

On the more positive note rejection by the male can result in the fatal opening her heart.

The Femme Fatale reminds you to be honest and look at why you are staying in a relationship? Is it the money, the house and status etc or are you emotionally connected to your lover.

If on the other hand you are looking for a new partner ask yourself how importantly you rank his earnings potential and status in your list of desirable qualities.

Goddesses with this Archetype Eos

The Goddess

The Goddess is an recognized Archetype in itself and embodies wisdom, nurturing, guidance, physical grace, athletic prowess and sensuality.

The shadow aspects of the Goddess manifests as extreme self-indulgence and vanity.

All of the Goddesses listed on this site will have this Archetype.

The Heroine

The Heroine awakens her inner strength and power so she can overcome great obstacles. These acts of bravery often benefit not just the heroine but her family or group.

Shadow Heroine's victory in her quest is only achieved by using unfair tactics, that disempowered her opponents.

This is one of your stereotypes if you have been able to rise above the numerous difficulties to become a stronger and better person.

The shadow Heroine asks whether your victories have been at someone elses expense.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Nike

The Judge

The Judge's role is to balance justice with compassion. Ensuring a distribution of power that provides realistic and fair boundries that encourage people to take responsibility for their actions.

Shadow Judge misuses his power to enforce rules over others by manipulating laws. They are over critical and very judgemental of others, the sort of tyrant that makes you feel you are tip toeing round on eggshells trying not to draw their wrath.

The Judge is one of your stereotypes if you work in roles where you are often called upon to mediate between different sides. You may also have high standards and ideals which you encourage others to adopt.

This Archetype is an excellent one to work with if you are facing any legal proceedings or other situations in your life where you want justice to be done.

Judge should only be invoked if you wish to work with the universal laws of harmony and justice. If you are trying to enforce your own standards or seek revenge for perceived wrong doings you will be working with the Shadow aspect of the judge.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Ma'at Themis

The Lover

Represents passion and selfless devotion to another person. It also extends to the things that make our hearts sing, like music, art or nature.

The shadow aspect is obsessive passion that completely takes over and negatively impacts on your health and self esteem.

You may be drawn to this stereotype if you are looking to attract a new lover or to re-ignite the fire in an existing relationship. The Lover can also be a useful tool to discover what you are passionate about in life.

On the shadow side you need to ask, whether the amount of energy and time you are putting into relationships, or enthusiasm for projects is excessive? If this continues for too long you are likely to suffer from stress and physical ill health.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Aphrodite Bast Freya Hathor Selene Venus

The Maiden

The Maiden represents purity and the innocence of childhood, where the souls dreams, magic and make believe still prevail.

It is also an aspect of the Triple Goddess, together with the Mother and the Crone they represents the cycles of the moon and the different stages of a womans life.

Shadow Maiden is very self centered all, her dreams and energy is expended on achieving her own personal needs and goals.

The Maiden is one of your stereotypes if you are life still in touch with your childhood intuition and fantasies and have used these to fulfill your dreams. Hence you can still have this Archetype at any time of life.

The Maiden reminds you to look after the magical child that lies within us all.

Shadow Maiden asks you to look at whether your dreams and aspirations are selfish and take no account of the needs of others.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Hebe Idunn Ostara Persephone

The Mother

The Mother is a life-giver and the source of nurturing, devotion, patience and unconditional love. The ability to forgive and provide for her children and put them before herself is the essence of a good mother.

In its shadow aspect the Mother can be devouring, abusive and abandoning. The shadow Mother can also make her children feel guilty about becoming independent and leaving her. It is not necessary to be a biological Mother to have this stereotype. It can refer to anyone who has a lifelong pattern of nurturing and devotion to living things.

You are exhibiting the features of the shadow Mother if you smother your children and are over protective. Encourage independence and allow children to make mistakes but be available to give care and advice when it's needed.

The other shadow Mother is the one that abandons her children, or is so busy that she has no time for nurturing her young.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Arianrhod Ceres Demeter Frigg Hathor Isis Pomona Rhea The Nun

The Nun is characterized by her intense devotion and dedication to her path. Their work requires great focus and includes not only spiritual paths but artistic and business pursuits. The Nun chooses celibacy to conserve energy for her vital work.

Shadow Nun is removed from everyday reality, introverted and self-righteous.

The Nun represents a total devotion to your work. This is the area of your life where you expend all your available energy.

If this is your Archetype you run the risk of becoming isolated and losing touch with friends and family. You may also become very judgmental of people who don't share your goals and vision.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Hestia Vesta

The Prostitute

This Prostitute represents giving away of part of yourself, spirit or integrity for financial gain. This can also include the selling of talents and ideas.

The shadow aspect of the Prostitute is linked to the use of sex and seduction as a means of control over another person.

According to Caroline Myss we all have this Archetype. This is because we give our power away to others when we become fearful. This Goddess Archetype reminds us to regain the power over ourselves by finding ways to improve our self esteem and discover the beauty within.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Aphrodite

The Queen

In the positive aspect the Queen represents the regal feminine. Using her benevolent authority to protect others. This Goddess Archetype can signify the power of women who rule over anything from the office to the home environment.

The shadow aspect of this Goddess Archetype reflects the tendency to become arrogant, controlling and aggressive when challenged.

Queen asks whether you rule over your domain fairly, protecting every bodys rights and feelings.

Or do you need to look at patterns of trying to control others to protect your own emotional and personal position? If this is one of your patterns, you need to ask yourself what are you afraid of losing and where does that fear stem from ?

Goddesses with this Archetype: Hera Juno

The Rescuer

The Rescuer provides strength and support to others in crisis. They act out of love with no expectation of a reward.

Shadow Rescuer expects the rescued party to be grateful and will often try to keep that person needy.

The Goddess Archetype is one of your personality traits if you are always trying to save and help people.

What you need to ask yourself is what motivates you to act this way? Are you expecting a reward for your trouble or do you love helping others?

Goddesses with this Archetype: Demeter Ceres

The Scribe

The Scribe records information about people and events so it can be preserved. Much of the work involves copying information that is already available rather than being free to express personal opinions or develop an individual style.

Shadow Scribe uses the information for there own benefit, distoting facts to suit to support their own ideas. Shadow scribe may also claim other people's work as their own.

This Goddess Archetype may relate to you if you enjoy compiling information as part of your job or even as a hobby, for instance you may be involved tracing your family tree.

Shadow Archetype asks you to look at how you are presenting your material. Are you altering the information to support your view of the world?

The Scribe also reminds you not to get so wrapped up in recording events that you forget to experience the moment.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Seshat

The Servant

A Servant performs the menial work of others. This role can be chosen or enforced by circumstances which prevent the Servant from having the same status as the master.

The shadow Servant fails to be of service to herself. She has no sense of her own powers and abilities, becoming a slave to the social system.

This Goddess Archetype reminds you to look at the masters and petty tyrants you defer to in your life. Learn to let go of people or self-limiting beliefs no longer serve you.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Iris

The Shape Shifter

The Shape Shifter has the ability to change her physical appearance. They are also able to adapt easily to different environments by altering there behavior.

Shadow Shape shifter is fickle, lacking conviction and constantly reinventing themselves, like politicians trying to appeal to more people.

A useful Goddess Archetype to have if you need to be flexible or perform lots of different roles.

The shadow side asks whether your chameleon like tendencies reflect a deep insecurity and inability to commit to any particular path.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Ceridwen Freya Iris Morrigan

The Teacher/ Inventor

The Teacher and Inventor communicates knowledge, experience and wisdom.

In it's shadow aspect, the Teacher may manipulate and mislead their students by indoctrinating them with negative beliefs and destructive behaviours.

This Goddess Archetype suggests a love of passing on wisdom and learning to others.

The Teacher's wise counsel can also be called upon to help you see a way through any present difficulties or to help you to master a new skill.

Whilst the shadow aspect is a reminder that whenever we find ourselves in a teaching or mentoring role we must aim to be a positive role model, encouraging others to reach their full potential.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Athena Minerva.

The Virgin

This Virgin represents the desire to remain sexually pure and uncorrupted, maintaining your energy for other projects. It can also symbolize a deep desire to create brand new ideas and methods of working.

Shadow virgin, resists her sexuality due to fear and revulsion of sex and the loss of innocence it symbolizes.

This is one of your main Goddess Archetypes, if you are continually preserving your vital energies, for spiritual pursuits. The Virgin may also represent a desire to explore virgin territory; inventing refreshing, new ideas and ways of doing things.

On the shadow side, fear and disgust caused by bad past experiences could be preventing you from exploring your sexuality.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Artemis Diana Hestia Vesta

The Visionary

The Visionary is able to track probable outcomes for the future and able to envisage a better way of living for all mankind. They are clear channels for spirit communication.

Shadow Visionary sells their prophetic abilities to the highest bidder. They may even manipulate what they have seen to make it more palatable for their audience. The other shadow Visionary is so absorbed in their dreams that they are unable to function in the everyday world.

You may be drawn to the Visionary if you possess psychic or visionary abilities yourself. The shadow aspect of this Goddess Archetype reminds you to use your gifts wisely and to remember to stay grounded in this reality.

You may also seek out this Archetype if you are at a cross roads in your life and are unsure what path to take. Work with this Goddess and look for the signs/symbols which will point you in the right direction. Remember that the path she indicates is the one for your highest good.

Goddesses with this Archetype:

Themis

The Warrior

The Warrior represents physical strength, and the ability to protect and fight for your rights and those of of others.

Whilst the shadow side of the Warrior reflects the need to win at all costs, abandoning ethical principals to prove your supremacy.

If you are drawn to work with this Goddess Archetype you may require the Warrior spirit to help you to stand up for your rights and set firm personnal boundaries. This stereotype is helpful if you want to take control in your life, and no longer wish to play the role of the victim.

You may also choose to call upon the Warrior to champion the cause of others.

Conversely the Warrior may appeal to you if you have a very strong sense of self and are proud of the victories you have achieved. The shadow side of this goddess may be asking you to reflect honestly on the cost of these victories. Have they been at the expense of others or your principals?

Goddesses with this archetype: Athena Bast Minerva

The Witch

The Witch uUses knowledge of the universal laws of nature, the conscious mind and esoteric powers to manifest their desires.

The shadow Witch uses their gifts to increase their own power.

The Witch maybe one of your Archetypes can if you have the gift of understanding how to transform situations, influence people, and make your visions and dreams a reality.

The Shadow Witch reminds you not to use these abilities to gain power over others as this is not magic but sorcery.

Goddesses with this Archetype: Hekate Isis Nephthys